River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1887-10-13


its citizens. was occup ed by the red men;
now covered by churches, school houses,
mansions of the wealthy, cottages of the
poor, workshops, manufactures and all the
evidences of modern civilization. Per
NIT me in conclusion TO repeat that part OF
the welcome to you of the distinguished
orator of my native state as the sentiment
OF ell our people: "May there come no frost
TO wither the flowers that are blooming in
your pathway; may there be perpetual sum
shine TO keep these flowers fresh and bauti
full"
During the address the President stood with
clasped hands gazing directly at the speaker
Mrs Cleveland had thrown aside her outer
wrap, revealing tall, rather slender, but
exquisitely moulded figure. Her head,
usually carried high and erect, was slightly
inclined to one side, and she, too. fastened
her eyes directly upon the Mayors face.
Her lips slightly parted, and face flushed,
with eyes bright as o povelist's diamond,
she made a lovely picture.
At the conclusion of Mayor Smiths re-
marks, the President, speaking in low
measured terms, made answer. His manner
was unchanged, and meditation always the
same, except. perhaps, when he made refer
ence to his wife. Then. indeed, his apparent
stolidity gave way 20 genuine feeling. But
pretty Mrs. Cleveland blushed, and APP
peared immensely pleased, but as she gazed
up into Congressman Rice's kind face,
dents words werei
MIR. Mayor-I was reminded by the inyi
tation which received to visit ths state OF
Minnesota and the city of st. Paul, that
distinguished statesman visiting here in
1850, spoke of the place as the center of the
continent of North America, and stated his
BELIEF that the ultimate seat of government
of this great continent would be found
somewhere not far from the spot on which
he stood, at the head Of navigation of the
Mississippi river.
AT the time of Mr. Stewards visit the pop
ulason of your state was IL, 600 and that Of
st. Paul, its capital city, 10000. What
shall say, who, after twenty-seven years
have passed. find here a state containing
nearly million and half of inhabitants,
and its capital a population nearly as
great as that of the stale itself in 1860.
And while one is considering this immense
growth, he is actually amazed at the fact
that GO per cent. or more of the population
Gf the state has been added within the last
five years, and that the population of st.
Paul has more than trebled within the same
time.
Whether you are 10 have here the seat OF
government of this great continent or not,
l do not know. At all events we of us who
are now doing the business OF the govern
ment at Washington are certainly not at
present preparing TO move here. But the
seat of those things which control the
government, and make it great, is fast
moving this way. The center of the
oountry's population is rapidly moving
westward, and the increase of the wealth
and products of this wonderful region are
more than keeping pace with the movement
In your direction of the nations population.
Applause.
The marvellous city of st. Paul. scorning
the ordin Try steps by which cities reach the
lead, and springing almost at once 20
prominence and greatness; her people
establishing n trade. if bv magic.
immense in its volume and constantly in
creasing; erecting without fear or hesita-
ton business blocks rivaling in expense and
splendOr those of the largest and oldest of
our cities, exhibits possibilities and achieve
ments in which every American citizen can
claim share of pride and satisfaction
All this has been accomplished by our
fellow citizens upon American soil, under
ths impetus and encouragement Of
a merican institutions and laws. Cheers.
Your state, with all the energy and enter
prise Of its inhabitants in the direction of
business aud the development Of its material
resources has not overlooked those things
which create and rster valuable citizen
ship. Her common schools and other in
situations for the education OF the people
are numerously and abundantly sustained,
while the Improvement Of neglected and de-
pendent children is especially provided for
10y law. In the maintenance and support of
its charitable institutions Minnesota is quite
abreast of the OLDER States, and illustrates
the benevolence and care of the American
people for their poor and unfortunate.
Iy visit To you being a social one, and
trusting thss we have sort Of friendly feel
ing for each ether, | want TO suggest to
You a reason why l am Particularly and
personally interested in ST. Paul and its
people. some years ago young girl dwelt
among You and went 70 school. She has
grown up to be woman and is now my
wife. II any one thinks President ought
not TO mention things Of this sort in public,
hope he or she does not live IL St. Paul
for don't want to shock anybody when ]
they neither marrle6 nor spoiled nv wife,
Laughter ana cheers. land when I tell
them that they are related 70 that In my
life better than all earthly honors and dis
tincti0ns.
Hereafter you NAV be sure that Der